PHNOM PENH'S 2008 ANNUAL OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL (OSAC) CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT

UNCLAS PHNOM PENH 000019





DEPT FOR DS/OSAC, DS/IP/EAP, DS/IP/ITA



E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: ASEC, APER, AMGT, CB

SUBJ: PHNOM PENH'S 2008 ANNUAL OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL

(OSAC) CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT



REF: 08 STATE 132056



1. The following responses are keyed to the questions posed in

reftel.



I. Overall Crime and Safety situation: Criminal activity in

Cambodia remained high in 2008. The chances of being a victim at

night were much greater than during the day. However, daytime

robberies are common if a person fails to take basic security

precautions. Corruption within the Cambodian National Police (CNP)

has led to the increase in the number of criminals roaming the

streets of the major cities and towns. This has been a factor in an

upward trend in the number of armed robberies and shootings in Phnom

Penh and the provinces. The majority of the crimes committed in

Cambodia are for financial gain. Youth gangs comprised of wealthy,

teen-aged males, continue to operate in Phnom Penh. These gangs can

be violent and typically attack each other over turf battles and

perceived insults. Innocent civilians have been injured or killed

after getting caught in the middle of these battles. The

ineffectiveness and corruption in the CNP leads to vigilante

justice. And on occasion, suspected criminals have been beaten to

death by mobs. A government effort to control access to firearms

has met with limited success. While military weapons are no longer

sold openly in the city, they are still available to criminal

elements.



A. Crime Threats: Violent crimes, especially strong-arm and armed

robberies, continue to occur. Westerners continue to fall victim to

these crimes. There was an increase in the past year of the number

of reports the RSO received from Embassy personnel, NGOs and

expatriates of snatch thefts and attempted snatch thefts and

residential break-ins. Americans who follow sound personal security

procedures, to include employing 24-hour residential guards, are

victimized less often than the general population. Persons riding

on the back of moto-taxis are at the greatest risk of falling

victim. Thefts of motorbikes, auto parts and other petty thievery

continue at previous high levels. Counterfeit United States

currency is a constant problem. There has been an increase in the

number of reported acts of random gunfire within Phnom Penh. The

government issued a sub-decree stating that military and off-duty

police were not allowed to use their issued weapons for the purpose

of moon-lighting as security guards. The affect of the sub-decree

remains to be seen.



B. Safety: The road infrastructure in the city continues to

improve. However, Americans are highly discouraged from traveling

outside the city during hours of darkness. In many regions of the

country, the paved roads are deteriorating as a result of flooding

during the rainy season. The roads outside the city lack lighting,

painted dividing lines and proper guard rails. Furthermore, local

vehicles are likely to be driven without operational headlights and

ever present livestock create hazardous driving conditions.



II. Political Violence:



A. Historical Perspective: The government continues to function and

provide an outward appearance of stability. Demonstrations are less

common and are, for the most part, peaceful and controlled by

government forces. Exceptions are labor, land and religious

demonstrations that can become violent. The police lack the proper

training to effectively control demonstrations and can be heavy

handed in their response. Cambodia's national elections held in

July 2008 were conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner. There

was little obvious evidence of anti-American sentiment among the

Cambodian people but this could change as events develop elsewhere

in the world. Violence in Cambodia is common and it is often

difficult to differentiate politically motivated violence from

simple personal disputes. Military weapons are sometimes used to

settle personal disputes, injuring or killing innocent persons.



B. Regional Terrorism and Organized Crime: In September of 2002,

the American Embassy closed for approximately one month after

specific terrorist threat information became known. In November

2006, the government arrested six alleged domestic terrorists that

planned to conduct an attack during the annual Water Festival. In

July 2007, the government arrested and ultimately convicted and

imprisoned individuals that unsuccessfully attempted to detonate

three improvised explosive devices at the Vietnam-Cambodia

Friendship Monument in Phnom Penh. The Water Festival and

Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Monument incidents were not anti-Western

in nature, but meant to embarrass the ruling political party.



C. International or Transnational Terrorism: Concern still exists

over the potential for Muslim extremist-related terrorist activity

in Cambodia. There were no anti-American terrorist attacks reported

in Cambodia during the year.



D. Civil Unrest: In January 2003, the police lost control of Phnom

Penh for several hours as anti-Thai mobs sacked and burned the Thai

embassy and then rampaged through the city burning Thai businesses.

This was all in response to an alleged comment made by a Thai

actress. 2008 saw an increase in forced evictions. In some

instances the government ordered the homes destroyed and increased

the likelihood of additional civil unrest. The border claim dispute

between Cambodia and Thailand in Preah Vihear Province continues to

be a potential source for civil unrest.



III. Post-Specific concerns:



A. Crime: Robbery, burglary and theft remain a significant problem

in Phnom Penh. Organized crime continues to take advantage of

government corruption and police incompetence.



B. Traffic: Traffic accidents are a significant threat. The

traffic situation in Phnom Penh deteriorated in 2008. Poor driver

training, excessive speed and negligence are prime contributors to

the increase in traffic accidents we witnessed in 2008. Vehicle

travel to the provinces can be dangerous, especially at night.

Livestock will typically sleep on the road and motor vehicles are

operated without headlights or reflective devices. Visitors

operating a vehicle must have a Cambodian driver's license and local

third-party insurance. In some cases, drivers involved in a traffic

accident have been robbed or assaulted by the mob that invariably

gathers at the scene of an accident - but this has been rare.



C. Health and Environment: During monsoon season, May through

October, heavy rains can cause sporadic flooding in parts of the

country and along the city streets in Phnom Penh. During this

season many roads and bridges are often impassable. Cambodia has

reported a number of Avian Influenza cases, but they have been

contained to the countryside. Cambodian farmers typically live in

close contact with domestic and wild birds. The threat of HIV/AIDS

is omnipresent, especially among commercial sex workers.



D. Drugs: The CNP (with U.S. Embassy assistance) in 2007 dismantled

a major drug lab that was manufacturing precursor chemicals that

could be used to produce methamphetamine type stimulants (MTS).

Marijuana, heroin, and MTS are available in the major cities and

tourist areas.



IV. Police Response: The typical police officer in

Cambodia is poorly paid, poorly trained, and lacks discipline and

the necessary resources and equipment to operate effectively.

Foreign victims of crime receive no investigative support.

Reporting a crime to the police is of no value and will only lead to

an additional expense for the victim because he or she will be asked

to pay a fee to have a report written. Corruption continues to be a

major problem here with police personnel often committing serious

crimes themselves. Self-discipline is often lacking.



A. Police Harassment: Foreigners and Cambodians are continually

stopped by the police for real and alleged minor traffic violations

and asked for a bribe. Even so, American citizens should report

crimes committed against them, when possible, to the local police

station, and especially to the Embassy's Consular Section.

Foreigners should politely decline to pay for a police report.



B. Local police emergency numbers: Country Code: 855

(If calling from overseas, drop the 0 after the country code) Phnom

Penh municipal central command post, 012-999-999; Siem Reap

012-180-8886 or 011-288-893; Sihanoukville 012-884-828 or

016-884-828 (These are cell phone numbers, which may not be answered

and result in a meaningful police response.)



V. Medical Emergencies: Post currently has an operational health

unit staffed by a Foreign Service Health Practitioner. The SOS

International Medical Clinic is located on the corner of Streets 51

and 228. An American doctor operates the clinic. Ambulance

services in Phnom Penh are minimal, and well below US standards.

Dial 119 to access the local EMS system. Most ambulance services

are operated by private hospitals. Travelers are strongly

recommended to carry adequate medical evacuation insurance. The

cost of a private medevac flight to Bangkok can be catastrophic.



A. Contact information for local hospitals: Country Code 855 (If

calling from overseas, drop the 0 after the country code).



SOS International Clinic: 023-216-911, 023-215-911, 023-216-959



Access Medical Services: 012-813-358



Australian Medical Clinic: 023-881-020, 012-810-600, 012-812-064



Community & Family medical Clinic: 012-803-610



Calmette Hospital: 023-426-948



European Dental Clinic: 023-211-363, 023-362-656, 018-812-055



European Medical clinic: 023-362-656



Naga Medical Center: 011-811-175



American Medical Centre: 012-891-613, 023-991-863



B. Air Ambulance Service: N/A





VI. Travel Precautions; How to avoid becoming a victim: Individuals

are advised to only carry what they are willing to lose, and to take

the path of least resistance when confronted with an armed robber.



A) Pickpockets: Transportation centers, market areas, special

events, river front area and crowded buses traveling to the

provinces are prime areas for pickpockets. Avoid carrying wallets

or passports in back pockets. If at all possible, purses should not

be carried. If a purse or bag is carried, keep it closed and in

front of the wearer.



B) Robbers: Do not walk the streets at night. Avoid transport by

moto-taxis. It is preferable to lease a private driver for the

length of your stay in Cambodia. There are few, if any, formal

rental agencies. You may arrange for car rental through your hotel

or a local travel office. Metered taxi services featuring English

speaking dispatchers are becoming more prevalent. Avoid taking

taxis that are already occupied. Avoid driving alone after dark.

Keep car windows and doors closed and locked. Avoid dimly lit

areas. Socialize at reputable restaurants and bars. Carry only as

much cash as you are willing to lose. Credit cards are rarely used

in Cambodia, except at major international hotels and restaurants,

and it is best not to carry them with you. Avoid wearing expensive

looking jewelry. Wear and carry only those items you are prepared

to lose. Do not resist if you are the victim of a robbery.

Criminals will typically use force, to include deadly force, when

confronted with a victim that attempts to resist. Westerners have

reported being threatened or cut with knives despite complying with

the robbers.



C) Auto theft: Always remove keys when you exit the vehicle. Avoid

driving after dark. Keep car windows closed and doors locked.

Vehicle break-ins are a frequent occurrence in Phnom Penh.

Criminals will steal mirrors, spare tires, lights, trim and

accessories off of expensive vehicles to be sold for a profit. This

requires the victim to travel to an auto repair shop to buy back or

replace the stolen items.



D) Residential Security: Install metal grills on all doors and

windows. Keep all doors and windows closed and locked. Ensure the

residence has adequate lighting around the perimeter. Know how to

use alarm systems. Hire twenty-four hour guard protection from a

reputable company.



E) Beggars: Avoid giving money to beggars and children. The

children are typically forced to beg by their parents to support a

drug habit. Word spreads fast and you may soon find yourself

surrounded and under siege by other people wanting money. Many are

pickpockets working in groups.



F) Travel Advisory: The Embassy issued a warden message in July

2008, regarding tensions on the Thai-Cambodian border (Preah Vihear

Province in Cambodia and Sisaket Province in Thailand) recommending

that American citizens defer travel to the area until the situation

has been resolved. Thai and Cambodian troops have exchanged gunfire

resulting in reported injuries and fatalities on both sides. The

situation remains unresolved.



G) Off Limits Areas: The entire city of Phnom Penh is dangerous

after hours. Late night movement around the city should be avoided.

The "Heart of Darkness" club is off limits to Mission personnel.



H) Other: Report any incidents to the Embassy's Consular Section.

Always provide personal information, including travel plans, to the

Consular Officer. Keep a low profile.



I) Local Security Firms: There are several private security

services operating in Phnom Penh. None are associated with the U.S.

Embassy Guard Force.



VII. Embassy Contact Numbers (If calling from overseas, drop the 0

after the country code).



Embassy: 855-023-728-000

Post One: 855-023-728-111

Consular: 855-023-728-197

Regional Security Officer: 855-023-728-169

Embassy after-hours Duty Officer: 855-012-814-800



VIII. OSAC Country Council: Post OSAC Country Council meets

quarterly. The points of contact are as follows (If calling from

overseas, drop the 0 after the country code):



Wade L. Boston

RSO

(P)855-023-728-169

(F)855-023-728-600

bostonwl(at)state.gov



Jared M. Thurman

ARSO

(P)855-023-728-207





(F)855-023-728-600

thurmanjm(at)state.gov



Mr. Bretton (Brett) Sciaroni

Sciaroni and Associates

(P)855-023-210-225

(F)855-023-213-089

brett(at)sa-cambodia.com



Michael Stephen

Mekong Bank

(P) 855-023-430-980

(F) 855-023-430-431

stass(at)pacific.net.sg



James Swander

Devco Capital

(P) 855-023-883-488

(F) 855-23-426-752

jim.swander(at)devcocaptial.com



2. For further clarification please contact RSO Wade Boston or ARSO

Jared Thurman





CAMPBELL